[Cheshire Cosplay] Azur Lane and My Dress-Up Darling Halloween Dual-Character Warm-Up - Image 1
[Cheshire Cosplay] Azur Lane and My Dress-Up Darling Halloween Dual-Character Warm-Up - Image 2
[Cheshire Cosplay] Azur Lane and My Dress-Up Darling Halloween Dual-Character Warm-Up - Image 3
[Cheshire Cosplay] Azur Lane and My Dress-Up Darling Halloween Dual-Character Warm-Up - Image 4
[Cheshire Cosplay] Azur Lane and My Dress-Up Darling Halloween Dual-Character Warm-Up - Image 5
[Cheshire Cosplay] Azur Lane and My Dress-Up Darling Halloween Dual-Character Warm-Up - Image 6
[Cheshire Cosplay] Azur Lane and My Dress-Up Darling Halloween Dual-Character Warm-Up - Image 7
[Cheshire Cosplay] Azur Lane and My Dress-Up Darling Halloween Dual-Character Warm-Up - Image 8
[Cheshire Cosplay] Azur Lane and My Dress-Up Darling Halloween Dual-Character Warm-Up - Image 9

I collaborated with Lanqiao to shoot two early Halloween cosplay sets. Because both stylings contained extensive intricacies, aligning every element—from costumes and props to makeup and set dressing—closely with our theme took thoughtful preparation beforehand.

The first set was Cheshire from Azur Lane. The ensemble embraced a purple-and-black palette with the lustrous sheen of satin, finished with spliced black lace trims along the collar and hemline. The addition of golden frog fasteners and tassels elevated the overall regal luxury considerably. To match the dark fantasy ambiance, yellow talismans and white skull props were introduced. The wig was a grey-blue gradient short cut styled with neat blunt bangs, while the makeup emphasized an atmospheric under-eye blush paired with blue contact lenses. Throughout shooting, I paid constant attention to keeping my neck and shoulder lines elongated, ensuring an upright and elegant posture.

The second set was a Halloween witch derivative of Marin Kitagawa from My Dress-Up Darling. Centered around a black-and-orange palette, it featured a wide-brimmed witch hat accented with pumpkin trinkets. The wig transitioned into long light-blonde locks complemented by pointed elf ear prosthetics, alongside face-paint bat and spiderweb motifs gracing the cheeks. The outfit was paired with black fishnet stockings and leather boots; the fishnets added dynamic visual tension to the leg lines before the camera while enriching the overall aesthetic layering.

The studio sets were staged in two distinct styles. The first was a cool blue-toned fantasy scene arranged with wisteria vines, wooden low tables, and folding screens over a soft floor rug. The second carried the ambiance of a vintage magical study under warm lighting, furnished with carved wooden chairs, stacks of aged tomes, lanterns, and scattered pumpkin and skull decor.

During shooting, we explored various poses to capture the most flattering angles. Several seated and reclining postures demanded firm core engagement—especially limb-extending poses such as lifting a leg or reclining on my side, which tested physical flexibility and muscle control. Lanqiao exercised meticulous control over light, shadow, and framing; reviewing the camera playback, the color rendition between the cool-toned and warm-toned sets felt remarkably harmonious.

Both cosplay looks were packed with fine craftsmanship—such as the delicate lace edges of the purple dress and the patchwork texture of the witch hat—requiring careful attention to specular highlights so subtle textures wouldn't wash out. The entire shoot went smoothly, giving us a delightful early taste of the Halloween spirit.